Tips for Color Painting Babies' Portraits
Since the first paintings, some 32,000 years ago as History of Paintings comments, humans have been capturing themselves and their surroundings with paint. One of the most precious benefits of painting comes in the form of color baby portraits. A color portrait of a baby is a uniquely special keepsake for parents. It carries with it the memories of a brief stage of their child's life. A baby is only considered a newborn until month three, and an infant becomes a toddler on their first birthday. On the other side of the coin, the privilege and responsibility that comes with painting a baby's portrait is a rewarding and fulfilling challenge for artists.
Other People Are Reading
-
Contracts
-
Decide whether you will need the parents to sign a contract with you. Contracts are helpful to stipulate payment, scheduling, the number of drafts and revisions you will allow and other concerns. Painting the portrait without a contract is an option if the parent is family or a very close friend. If you don't use a contract, it is still a good idea to outline with the parents how long you will take to complete the portrait and how many revisions you will have.
Personalization
-
Schedule time with the parents and their baby to get to know their personalities and wishes. Discuss with the parents what they hope you will accomplish with a portrait of their child. Determine the medium they want and the style of portrait they are looking for: impressionistic, abstract or realistic. Take photos of the baby to reference while painting. The New York Institute of Photography suggests playing with the baby while taking the photos, to put the baby at ease and so she will remain calm. Share the photos and video with the parents and ask what poses, clothing, settings and facial expressions they would like you to use in their baby's portrait.
-
Inclusion
-
Make ample opportunities available for the parents to visit and see how their baby's portrait is progressing. Key times for the parents to review the portrait are at the sketch stage, the rough coloring stage, in between the rough and final coloring stages and of course at completion of the portrait. If the parents can't visit in person, send them pictures of the portrait via email, cell phone, website or FTP.
Criticism
-
Because their baby's portrait is very important to them, the parents may critique your work or request changes. Don't take this personally or be offended. Be understanding of the parent's wishes and ask detailed questions about how you can accommodate their desires. In lieu of this, be reasonable. If parents make absolutely outrageous requests of you, do not hesitate to take time to think about how to respond in a friendly way with suggestions or explanations.
Presentation
-
When the portrait is complete, the parents may ask that you mat and frame the painting. If they do so, work with them to decide on mat and frame color and size. This is especially important to coordinate with the parents' tastes of style and house decor. Be sure to present the portrait to the parents in a tasteful manner, such as in gift wrapping or at a special "unveiling" ceremony or party.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
